In: Chemistry
Preparation of Copper(I) Chloride
Reactions:
1) Cu(S) + 4HNO3(aq) -> Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2NO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
2) 2HNO3(aq) + Na2CO3(s) -> H2O(l) + CO2(g) + 2NaNO3(aq)
3)Cu(NO3)2(aq) + Na2CO3(s) -> CuCO3(s) + 2NANO3(aq)
4)CuCO3(s) + 2HCL(aq) -> CuCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
5)CuCl2(aq) + Cu(s) -> 2CuCl(s)
Report:
Weight of Copper: 1.004g
Volume of Added Nitric Acid: 4.9mL
Total weight of added Sodium Carbonate: 3.841g
Weight of watch glass and filter paper: 51.740g
Weight of watch glass, filter paper, and CuCl Precipitate: 53.513g
Experimental Yield of CuCl: 1.775g
Theoretical Yield of CuCl: 3.55g
Percent Yield of CuCl: 50%
Could we use HCl to dissolve the copper metal instead of nitric acid in the first reaction? Please explain.
NO.
When you are using Hydrochloric Acid (aka: HCl), it will
"attack" nearly anything above hydrogen, including, Lead, Aluminum,
Magnesium, Tin, Zinc, etc. (Lead is a bit of a challenge for HCl
because Lead Chloride is insoluble, and can form a protective coat
that stops the reaction from occurring. It does actually react on
the surface and if you add some heat to the reaction, it can push
it even further.) But, as Copper is below Hydrogen, it is not
attacked by HCl...
With Nitric Acid (aka: HNO3), in dilute form, the reaction is the
same as with HCl... However, if you are using concentrated HNO3,
the nitrate portion of the acid IS able to attack the Copper...
This, because the nitrate is a powerful oxidizing agent when in
high concentration. The nitrate portion is reduced to NO2 gas and
the metal is oxidized. This reaction allows concentrated nitric
acid to also attack metals that are "below" hydrogen (to some
extent). Mercury, copper, and silver are all readily attacked by
this reaction...